Guinness is good for you, served with a side of history

It's winter, and that's the one time of year that I find myself craving a Guinness. Stout is that kind of cross between beer and food that makes the liquid lunch a reasonable idea. In fact, the company had an ad campaign for years that encouraged everyone to drink a Guinness a day. Why? Because, as they said, "Guinness is Good For You." And as the BBC reports, that may even be true. Stout may help keep your heart from clotting. So drink up!

And if you're craving one this winter too, here is a little side of history to go along with your next one. Nothing says cheers like sitting down with the beer and learning a little about the story behind the stout. Think of it as historical beer nuts.

- In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on the now-famous St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. You did not read that wrong. 9,000 year lease. That guy had some foresight, and knew a good deal when he found one.  

- Guinness supports the economy. In 1906, there were 3,240 employees at the brewery. According to Guinness, 1 in 30 people in Ireland were directly or indirectly dependent on the brewery for their livelihood. That's the community spirit, folks!

- In 1931, the S.S. Guinness was commissioned. Its job? To transport the beer around the world. I wonder how many of the kegs showed up a few dozen ounces lighter on the other shore…?

- In 2009, Guinness brewery celebrated 250 years in operation. That's 25 years before the Declaration of Independence was written in the U.S., 100 years before the telephone, 150 years before automobiles. This beer is older than the First Amendment.

Image courtesy of yaili via flickr